This meaning talks about the best or most active time in life or something. It is when something works very well or is strongest.
She is in the prime of her life.
This is the prime season for fruit.
In math, a prime is a number that you can only divide by 1 or itself without leaving a remainder. It is basic in math and number theory.
Five is a prime number.
Seven is bigger than four but still prime.
To prime means to get ready or prepare something well before using it. It is often used when you make something work better or teach someone first.
He primed the pump for water.
She primed the team before the game.
This use shows prime as first or most important. It can mean main time to do something or a main thing in a group.
We arrived in prime time for the show.
He is a prime suspect in the case.
Prime describes something that is very good, top quality or better than others. It is often used to show best value or condition.
This is prime beef for dinner.
He bought a prime house downtown.
To prime in math or writing means to add a small mark to a number or letter. It shows a special form or value.
We prime the second value in math.
The letter x was primed in the equation.
Priming a gun or bomb means putting the part inside it that makes it fire or explode. It is an important step before use.
Soldiers primed their guns before battle.
They primed the explosive carefully.
This means to put a first layer of paint or substance on something. It helps the real paint stick well and last longer.
We primed the wall before painting.
She primed the wood to keep it safe.